Joined Feb 2010
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Forum Thread
Ever been ripped off by a car mechanic?
December 12, 2010 at
12:43 PM
in
Autos
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and this video
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:ship poop kissing gram to noung:
Unfortunately, there's a dark side to flat rate billing, and it comes from the top. Many mechanics will be paid based only on how many billable hours -- what the flat rate book says -- he accumulates. On top of this, management puts lots of pressure on the technicians to bill as much as humanly possible. If they fall below a certain number of hours per day, the techs have problems. And it doesn't matter why the day went slower. Left in a position where one slowed repair can put him behind, lose him money, and get the bosses breathing down his neck, some mechanics will rush the job and take short cuts. That's when the flat rate system can fail.
So a slow mechanic is in trouble? And a speedy mecanic wins? I'd rather pay whatever it takes for a job well done than pay these fat rate plans.
Let's agree to disagree.
but the Business Owner is also required to turn that core in for credit ASAP as well
When does ownership of a part taken from my car go to the repair shop?? WTF? They charge a disposal fee and turn around and sell it!! Ha.
There are plenty of very, very good Technicians whom can do the job in less time than it takes because they have done it over and over again, and have found ways to do it in less time. Same with a Carpenter, he has learned his trade and learned how to do unnecessary things that cost him time and money - especially someone skilled in Millwork - whom specializes in detail wood work. I know, as we have someone whom comes into our home just for this purpose and his skills are awesome - and he has told us how he learned how to cut out the unnecessary things in order to complete a job better and faster, but still have it done properly and professionally - and he is the ONLY one allowed to work inside our home.
So you can think whatever you want - BUT when you do find that one very highly skilled Technician - as I've said before - develop a rapport with them - and make sure you hold onto them - as they will definitely not rip you off - as they normally carry their own business cards - and they stake their reputation on their work.
I'll say it again, their is sludge at the bottom of any industry, I've seen it - many of you have - you want to pick a field go ahead, and you'll find the sludge at the bottom, or even in the middle.
The Core that is being returned, has a charge on the bill when the part is purchased
And no, I won't agree to disagree with someone whom knows nothing about how an Automotive Shop is run and how the billing of parts takes place, especially Core Charges
Go to your local auto store (autozone, advanced auto part, etc.) and try to buy something that has a core, unless you return the "used" one, they'll charge you more.
Why should car repairs be anything different unless you're out to rip someone off?
/free life lesson
I'm not in the mechanic field, but do work in the automobile industry. Just like piccaboo said, theirs bad shops/people in every industry.
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I'm not in the mechanic field, but do work in the automobile industry. Just like piccaboo said, theirs bad shops/people in every industry.
Thus, ppl always complain about the fees that doctors, mechanics, car audio/tint installers, and plumbers charge.
correct !
Go to your local auto store (autozone, advanced auto part, etc.) and try to buy something that has a core, unless you return the "used" one, they'll charge you more.
/free life lesson
I'm not in the mechanic field, but do work in the automobile industry. Just like piccaboo said, theirs bad shops/people in every industry.
Rebuilt parts almost never - unless agreed upon between the customer and the owner - such as an engine or a transmission - which is a big ticket item. Then it comes down to whether or not depending on the vehicle whether you want a factory rebuilt engine/trans with a warranty - or one that comes without. There are too many variables with that scenario - but the customer is always advised as to what is what.
Who would ever put in a used timing belt, used brakes, used radiator, used power steering pump, etc. Just plain stupid, imho.
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What other industries can do this fat rate thing and get away with it?